Former Esteghlal player Jlloyd Samuel killed in auto crash

After coming through the ranks at the illustrious Senrab FC youth side in east London, Samuel went on to make nearly 200 appearances for Villa before leaving for Bolton in 2007. He ended his professional career in Iran where he played for four seasons with Esteghlal and Paykan.

Tributes are now pouring in for Samuel. He was capped by England from Under-18 to Under-21 level and was an unused substitute for the senior worldwide against Sweden in 2004 before switching allegiances to the country of his birth.

Our players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect tonight and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this very hard time, ' the statement read.

The Trinidad & Tobago Football Association, which announced the news of Samuel's death, said the collision occurred after he had dropped his children at school.

He attempted to switch global allegiance before Trinidad and Tobago played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

The two-vehicle crash involving a van and Samuel's Range Rover occurred on West Lane in the village of High Legh shortly before 8am, with Cheshire Police closing the road and asking drivers to avoid the area.

"His next of kin have been informed and are now being supported by specially trained officers".

"The driver of the van, a 54-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for treatment".